Art Initiative to Promote Biodiversity and Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

Apothecary Artists and Gallery has announced a call for submissions for a juried art exhibition focused on the theme of native plants and pollinators. This initiative aims to leverage cultural expression to foster community education and environmental stewardship, directly contributing to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The exhibition seeks to highlight the ecological importance of native species and is scheduled to run from September 5th to October 14th.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The exhibition’s theme and objectives demonstrate a strong commitment to the global sustainability agenda. The project serves as a local-level implementation of key SDG principles through art and community engagement.

• SDG 15: Life on Land: The core objective is to protect and promote local biodiversity. By exclusively focusing on New England’s native flora and fauna and specifically excluding non-native species, the initiative directly supports the goal of halting biodiversity loss and protecting terrestrial ecosystems.
• SDG 4: Quality Education: A stated aim of the exhibition is to “continue our collective education” on the importance of native plants. This provides an informal and accessible educational platform, using art to raise public awareness about ecological conservation and environmental science.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The project strengthens community bonds by engaging local artists and citizens in the protection of local natural heritage. It utilizes a cultural institution—the art gallery—to enhance the sustainability and environmental consciousness of the community.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: By promoting the health of local ecosystems, which are vital for carbon sequestration and climate resilience, the initiative contributes to broader climate action efforts. Healthy pollinator populations are essential for resilient food systems and ecosystems.

Exhibition Details and Submission Criteria

To ensure alignment with the project’s ecological and educational goals, specific guidelines have been established for artist submissions.

Key Information

1. Eligibility: The call is open to artists of all experience levels and disciplines.
2. Theme: All artwork must be inspired by the “beauty and vitality of native plants and native pollinators” indigenous to the New England region.
3. Mediums: Original works are accepted across various mediums, including photography, mixed media, painting, and sculpture. Organizers have noted a preference for hanging works.
4. Submission Deadline: Applications must be submitted by Friday, August 22nd.
5. Exhibition Period: The selected works will be displayed from September 5th to October 14th.

Educational Resources and Community Assets

To assist artists and educate the public, organizers have highlighted several resources and locations that exemplify the exhibition’s theme and support its contribution to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

• Species Identification: Artists are directed to use tools such as the Native Plant Trust’s “gobotany” database to verify the native status of plant species.
• Inspirational Sites: Local native plant gardens are recommended as places for artists to find inspiration and for the public to learn about native ecosystems. These sites include:
  • The Beecology Research Garden at Breakneck Hill Conservation Land
  • The Whit Beals Biodiversity Through Pollination Garden at SOLF’s Beals Preserve
  • The Native Pollination Preservation Garden at the Southborough Library

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 15: Life on Land

• The article’s central theme is an art exhibit focused on “the beauty and vitality of native plants and native pollinators.” This directly connects to SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and halt biodiversity loss. The emphasis on “native” species and the exclusion of “non-native species” like honey bees highlights a commitment to preserving local biodiversity.

SDG 4: Quality Education

• The exhibition’s stated purpose is to “highlight the importance of native plants in our community and continue our collective education.” This aligns with SDG 4, particularly its focus on education for sustainable development. The event uses art as a medium to educate the community about local ecology and conservation.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• The initiative is a community-based effort involving a local gallery and artists to celebrate the area’s natural heritage. The article mentions several public native plant gardens, such as the “Beecology Research Garden” and the “Native Pollination Preservation Garden,” which are assets that make the community more sustainable. This connects to SDG 11’s goal of protecting cultural and natural heritage.

Specific Targets Identified

Targets under SDG 15: Life on Land

• Target 15.5: “Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and… protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.” The art exhibit raises awareness about the importance of native species, which is a crucial first step in halting biodiversity loss.
• Target 15.8: “By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems…” The exhibit’s strict rule that “non-native species won’t be accepted” directly supports this target by educating the public on the distinction between native and non-native species.
• Target 15.9: “…integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into… local planning…” The existence of multiple dedicated native plant gardens within the town (“Beecology Research Garden,” “Whit Beals Biodiversity Through Pollination Garden,” etc.) demonstrates that biodiversity values have been integrated into local community planning and land use.

Target under SDG 4: Quality Education

• Target 4.7: “…ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development… and appreciation of… culture’s contribution to sustainable development.” The event uses a cultural activity (an art exhibition) to provide education on a key aspect of sustainable development (biodiversity).

Target under SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Target 11.4: “Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.” The exhibit and the public gardens it promotes are local efforts to celebrate and protect the town’s natural heritage (native flora and fauna).

Indicators for Measuring Progress

Indicators for SDG 15

• Implied Indicator: The number of public spaces dedicated to native species, as evidenced by the list of three “Native Plant gardens in town.”
• Implied Indicator: The promotion and use of tools for identifying native species, such as the “Native Plant Trust’s ‘gobotany'” website mentioned in the article.

Indicators for SDG 4

• Indicator: The creation of educational events focused on sustainability. The article describes the juried art exhibit as an event that “aims to highlight the importance of native plants… and continue our collective education.”
• Implied Indicator: The number of participants in the educational event (i.e., the number of artists who submit work).
• Implied Indicator: The continuation of the educational effort, as organizers “hope [it] will become an annual exhibit.”

Indicators for SDG 11

• Indicator: The number of community initiatives that celebrate and protect local natural heritage. The art exhibit itself is one such initiative.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

Source: mysouthborough.com